Skip to main content
College of Natural Resources
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

Laura Oleniacz

Jones Lake State Park, circa 1940s - Tracking Injustice in the History of U.S. Public Parks - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Feb 3, 2022

Tracking Injustice in the History of U.S. Public Parks

A study led by an NC State researcher traces patterns of injustice in the creation of public parks in the United States.
A park bench on a trail - Outdoor Activity Tied to Mental Health of Teens, Young Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic - Parks Recreation and Tourism Management NC State University

Nov 22, 2021

Outdoor Activity Tied to Mental Health of Teens, Young Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic

In two new studies, researchers from NC State found declines in outdoor activity and park use during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic were linked to young adults’, teens’ mental health.
A park in Raleigh, North Carolina - Study Raises Questions About Access to Urban Parks During the Pandemic - Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at NC State University

Sep 29, 2021

Study Raises Questions About Access to Urban Parks During the Pandemic

A study led by researchers from NC State found the use of outdoor parks and trails in urban areas of North Carolina declined in the summer of 2020.
Children in nature - Study Finds Natural Outdoor Spaces Are Less Common at Schools - Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at NC State University

Sep 21, 2021

Study Finds Natural Outdoor Spaces Are Less Common at Schools

NC State researchers found natural spaces like woods or gardens were relatively rare in a small sample of elementary and middle schools in Wake County.
Public park - 4 low-cost ways to create safe public spaces where all kids can play - Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at NC State University

Aug 6, 2021

4 low-cost ways to create safe public spaces where all kids can play

Experts describe four ways for communities to create opportunities for more play for children.
Wild fox - This is How College Students Think We Could Pay for Wildlife Conservation in the U.S. - Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at NC State University

Jul 30, 2021

This Is How College Students Think We Could Pay for Wildlife Conservation in the U.S.

A recent study suggests U.S. college students would support new ways of paying for wildlife conservation.
A tree marked with a tag is part of a citizen science project.

Jun 24, 2021

Making Citizen Science Inclusive Will Require More Than Rebranding

Scientists need to undertake tangible efforts to boost equity, diversity and inclusion in citizen science, NC State researchers said in a perspective in the journal Science.
Coastal marshes on Johns Island. Credit: Lindsey Smart.

May 17, 2021

Study Offers Insights for Mapping ‘Coastal Squeeze’ Impacts to Historical, Natural Sites

NC State researchers mapped the impact of the “coastal squeeze” of sea-level rise and development on historical, environmental and cultural sites on Johns Island, South Carolina.
A female hunter - The Next Generation of Hunters Could Look Different - Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at NC State University

May 10, 2021

The Next Generation of Hunters Could Look Different

An NC State study found a diverse group of potential hunters in a survey of college students.
Students picked up trash at the beach in New Hanover County.

Apr 15, 2021

Officials, Voters, Show More Concern About Plastic Waste in Ocean After Kids’ Presentations

An NC State study shows voters and leaders showed more concern about trash in the ocean after kids’ presentations.